More than 200,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is monitoring the outbreak.

The government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, has suggested there could be as many as 55,000 coronavirus cases already in the UK and 20,000 deaths or below would be a "good outcome".

As of 9am on Wednesday, 56,221 people had been tested for the virus in the UK, of which 53,595 were negative.

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There are now 227 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 across Scotland, while the number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland has risen by six to 68.

In Wales, a further 13 people have been diagnosed with the virus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases there to 149.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a significant escalation of UK measures in response to coronavirus earlier this week, including advising everyone in the country to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres and to only make essential journeys.

What is the latest coronavirus advice?

If you live alone and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, you should self-isolate for seven days

If you live in a household with others and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, both yourself and all others in your household should stay isolated together for 14 days

Everyone, including if you are not displaying symptoms yourself and live in a household where no one is displaying symptoms, should stop all unnecessary contact with others and all unnecessary travel

You should work from home where possible and avoid venues such as pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants

Pay particular attention to the advice if you are over 70, pregnant, have underlying health problems or live in London

Don't call the NHS 111 helpline if you have mild or moderate illness and instead seek advice online. But do call if your illness becomes more severe